Emu oil

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Emu oil is an oil made from the refined fat of the Emu, a bird native to Australia. It has been used for thousands of years by the Australian aborigines for the treatment of burns, wounds, bruises, and as a pain reliever for bone, muscle, and joint disorders.[citation needed] Emu oil is approximately 70% unsaturated fatty acids. The largest component is oleic acid – a mono-unsaturated fatty acid. Emu oil also contains about 20% linoleic (Omega 6) acid and 1-2% linolenic (Omega 3) acid. There is some evidence to suggest that the oil may have medicinal benefit.[1] It is frequently used topically to soften skin and is frequently found in ointments for dry cracked heels.

Emu oil has been shown in studies to aid in reducing scar formation in healed burn wounds, muscle sprains, and arthritis due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Emu oil is a complete neutral lipid, since emu oil lacks phospholipid, making it highly penetrating to the skin.[2][3]


[edit] References

  1. ^ Yoganathan, S. et al. 2003. Antagonism of croton oil inflammation by topical emu oil in CD-1 mice. Lipids 38:603-7. PMID 12934669
  2. ^ Emu Oil Properties: Background, study, and guide for uses accessed 17 April 2007
  3. ^ Emu Oil Proven To Be Medical Wonder High Beam Encyclopedia, from Business Wire, 8/10/1998 - accessed 17 April 2007

4. Emu Oil Benefits

 This dermatology article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.